I won’t be updating the Winter Contest page any more, however, feel free to click the links below. Many of the contests are annual or quarterly, so when you click on the guidelines link, it may have the new contest guidelines listed.
Happy writing!
January
Western Writers of America Spur Awards
Entry Fee: FREE
Deadline: January 10, 2009
Guidelines: http://westernwriters.org/2009_SPUR_RULES.pdf
The Western Writers of America, based out of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, give awards for the best published western writing of that year. The awards have honored excellence in writing since 1953. They accept works in short fiction, novels, nonfiction, documentary, historical writing, and juvenile writing to name a few categories. Complete guidelines are on the webpage. If your western-themed writing was published in 2008, this contest is for you.
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Christine Kringle Plot Contest
Entry Fee: FREE
Deadline: January 31, 2009
Guidelines: http://www.christinekringle.com/win-5000.html
Christine Kringle, the novel by Lynn Brittney, is looking for a one page synopsis of a plot for the next book in the series. Christine, a member of the Yule Dynasty, is the only daughter of the world famous Kriss Kringle. Her job is to help with bringing gifts to children around the world. Your job is to plot her next adventure. If your synopsis is chosen, the prize is $5,000. You receive no rights to the book and no royalties. However, your name crediting you for the plot will appear on the front of the book.
February
The Binnacle Ultra-Short Competition 2008-09
Entry Fee:
Deadline: February 15, 2009
Guidelines: http://www.umm.maine.edu/faculty/necastro/binnacle/short.asp?q=binnacle/short.asp
The Binnacle at the University of Maine at Machias is sponsoring the Fifth International Ultra-Short Competition. They are asking for submissions of 150 words or less, or poetry of sixteen lines or less. Prizes of at least $300 will be awarded. Submissions for this contest begin on December 1, 2008.
March
CNW International Contest
Entry Fee: Varies by contest, $5 to $15
Deadline: March 15, 2009
Guidelines: http://writers-editors.com/Writers/Contests/Contest_Guidelines/contest_guidelines.htm
This contest was formerly the CNA/FFWA Florida State Writing Competition. There are six categories for submissions in nonfiction, fiction, children’s literature and poetry. Even if you don’t enter this contest, it’s worth a visit to the website to view the contest tip sheet . The tips are excellent for all writers to remember.
Tom Howard/John H. Reid Short Story Contest
Entry Fee: $15
Deadline: Postmark byMarch 31, 2009
Guidelines: http://www.winningwriters.com/contests/tomstory/ts_guidelines.php
This contest is now in its 17th year. You may submit your writing, up to 5,000 words that you own the online publication rights to, even if it has already been published. This contest has awards of 2,000, $1,000, $500 and $250 will be awarded, plus five High Distinction awards of $200 each and five Most Highly Commended Awards of $100 each.
